Help choosing a breed?

[AdventureIsOutThere]

Hello, I am new so I don't have experience with different breeds. I like the looks of the mini/holland lop but worried about ear problems. I find flemish giants very interesting, but worry about how much it would cost to feed them. I'm looking for a cuddly, child friendly, gentle, preferably non aggressive bunny. Also, a breed that isn't hard to find in the Houston, TX area. I don't have a size or color preference if that makes a difference. I know that each bunny has its own personality so it's not a guarantee they'll be what the breed is known for. Thank you for your time.

 

[ZRabbits]

Hi, Welcome to Rabbit Talk. When I started, had fun looking over all the different breeds. I too was worried about ear problems with "floppy" ear bunnies, but then again, had ear mites and inner ear infection with two of my "stand up" eared bunnies. Just have to be more diligent with the "floppies" or with any rabbit, I guess. Basically, don't let the worry deter you from looking at all types of rabbits. And I hear mini lops are just sweet bunny lumps. Very friendly.

If you are just going to get one rabbit, I would go Flemish. I have one that is the sweetest, big bunny I've ever experienced. They do need more feed, and space than a smaller rabbit. Also they LOVE attention and mine is very big part of our Tribe. Don't misunderstand me, would not change anything with my smaller bunnies, they get just as much attention and care, but I do have to say, the experience of this big Flemish has been so rewarding. I would recommend this big rabbit to any family with a child.

So true about each bunny having it's own personality. When you decide which breed you want, just make sure you pick a very calm, docile rabbit. It's so much easier breaking through to them and gaining their trust. Big part of having a "prey" animal which rabbits are.

Hope this helps a bit. Rabbits are just awesome to have around. And I think a child can learn so much about compassion and responsibility with this sweet critter. Let us know what you find.

Karen

 

[curlysue]

I have raised both Mini and Holland lops.the only ear troubles i had were with Hollands having ear control.I do not reccomend Hollands too beginners.they are very difficult too breed.mini lops are great mothers breed readily and are nice rabbits too work with.Unless you mean a pet bunny then i highly reccomend Holland lops.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

:welcome: to RabbitTalk!

Here are a couple of threads that may be helpful:

good-breed-for-a-small-child-t4165.html

how-do-you-choose-a-rabbit-for-a-child-t14.html

Attending a rabbit show would be a good way to familiarize yourself with different breeds, and would give you an opportunity to speak to breeders. Often times there are rabbits for sale at shows as well.

You can search for a show in your area by entering your state on this page:

http://arba.net/showsSearch.php#showsearch

 

[ZRabbits]

MamaSheepDog gave some good advise regarding finding out about breeds. But if there are no shows in your area, here's another way to find out what breeders and their breeds in Texas.

http://rabbitbreeders.us/texas-rabbit-breeders

Wishing you luck in finding your rabbits. Look forward to hearing what breed you fall in love with. Or maybe breeds?

Karen

 

[SatinsRule]

You have the luxury of living in a state where there are a decent number of shows, all-breed clubs, and alot of active breeders. Look at the ARBA website under Member Actions and check show dates for TX, then attend a couple of shows.

Don't be bashful about walking up and talking to breeders of breeds you think you may be interested in raising. The ones who are the most willing to help and talk to you are the ones you should focus your attention on, but don't buy the first rabbits you see. Listen to the judges' comments during judging for each breed that sparks your interest, then pick accordingly.

Also, foot the bill for $20 and get a copy of the Standard of Perfection (SOP) from the equipment vendor which will most likely be set up at the show. It will help you tremendously in knowing what to look for.

 

[Frabo]

I have found finding the right breeds for me is the hardest thing. I just find that I love most rabbits and it is tough to narrow them down. Since I am in Canada a lot of the breeds I like the looks of are hard to come by so that has helped me narrow down my choices, and I don’t like the looks of lop ears nor do I want a long hair rabbit to groom so that has helped me cross a few breeds off my “must try” list.

I have had rabbits on and off for about 10 years, my boyfriend bought me a Netherland Dwarf for a pet, and that just started the whole rabbit fascination for us. So far I have tried NZ White and Reds, American Sables, Californians, Mini Rex, Harlequins, Tans and I currently have a pair of Standard Rex and a trio of Dutch (thanks to Devon W who is here on the board) . I find you really don’t know what you will really like, or really not like, until you own a breed. I never liked Dutch in the past as I thought there were too popular for me, found them sort of “boring” but having had these rabbits for only a short time I love this breed. Probably my favourite right now. Great personalities, beautiful to look at, fun little rabbits. I’d like to have 4 breeds to focus on showing/breeding, I think that would be the perfect amount for me. Dutch will be one, and the Standard Rex cause I just think they are the perfect rabbit in looks and there is not a lot to choose from in my area, so I’d like to try to change that. I loved having my Tans, and really miss that breed, they are active, fun and stunning to look at IMO. I also loved the Am Sables and Harlequins, and miss having those here.

Good luck. I’d say give a few breeds a try until you find some that you can’t live without..nice thing about rabbits is they are so quiet!~

Tracey

 

[tnelsonfla]

This topic comes up every once in awhile. I recommend if it is a first time rabbit and for show to not chose the most popular rabbit breed out there. The search might be easier but the competition will be greater and the cost of a 1st place rabbit possibly higher too. The goal is to get a rabbit which "normally" is not a high strung breed. So I would suggest a Polish, Dutch, Havana or Himalayan. If the hobby takes off and is successful, then maybe get a second breed.